Pool Tips

Basic care and safety tips for Perth’s Swimming Pool Owners

In Perth, nothing beats a dip in the pool on a hot summer’s day. To get the most out of your pool, Poolmart encourages all pool owners to follow some basic care and safety tips.

Pool owners are reminded that there is no substitute for constant adult supervision of children in and around swimming pools to prevent drowning and other accidents.

Pool Basics:

Check the Pool’s Water Level

It is important that you maintain the proper water level in your pool as a low water level can lead to pump damage. The correct level is generally in line with the middle of the pool’s skimmer opening.

Skim the Surface & Vacuum the Pool Floor

Use a skimmer net or leaf rake to collect debris from the top of your pool. Leaves and debris that have accumulated on the bottom of the pool can be removed manually using a pool cleaner or with a professional pool vacuum such as a Kreepy Krauly.

Brush the Pool

We recommend that you spend 10 to 15 minutes once or twice a week brushing the pool walls, steps, and pool floor.

Check the Skimmer & Pump Strainer Baskets

Your pool surface skimmer baskets and pump strainer baskets should be checked every week. You can clean out the baskets using a garden hose. This will ensure proper flow and efficient suction for brushing and vacuuming. Failure to clean the baskets regularly can result in pump damage.

We also recommend that you check the skimmer cover and pump lid for cracks, leaking water, or damage.

Service the Filter

Filters need to be regularly backwashed or cleaned (depending of the type) to ensure they operate efficiently and last longer. The filter should be cleaned when the filter pressure gauge indicates a rise of 8 to 10 psi ‘above’ the starting pressure. As a rule of thumb, your filter should run 8 to 12 hours during the summer months and 4 to 6 hours during the off-season.

Test the Pool’s Water

At Poolmart, we recommend that you test the water in your swimming pool twice a week with either a test kit or test strips. We also recommend that you bring a water sample into one of our Poolmart stores periodically, so that we can conduct a professional water analysis to ensure the water is in balance.

Rinse the Pool Surrounds

Your pool area should be rinsed before swimmers enter the pool area. This will prevent dirt from being carried into the water.

For further information about the care of your pool contact Perth’s pool professionals at Poolmart. We have five convenient locations in Leeming, Success, Rockingham, Mandurah, and Warnbro.

Swimming Pool Safety Checklist

Is your swimming pool and/or spa safe? Legislation in Western Australia requires a barrier be provided around private swimming or spa pools for the protection of young children.

Poolmart’s Swimming Pool Safety Checklist should be used as a guide only. To ensure your pool is fully compliant with Western Australian legislation you should contact your local council or the Building Commission of WA.

Is there a pool fence separating the pool from your house and the neighbourhood?

Is the outside of the pool fence at least 1.2m high all the way around?

Is the gap between the bottom of the fence and the ground less than 10cm?

Are all vertical palings less than 10cm apart?

Are all horizontal fence rails more than 90cm apart so a small child cannot get a foothold to climb over the fence?

Is your pool fence well maintained and in a good state of repair as an effective and safe barrier?

Is your pool fence 1.2m clear of any objects such as BBQs, trees, rocks, shrubs, or deckchairs that could help a small child climb over the fence?

Is your clothesline, BBQ or a similar object not directly associated with the swimming pool located outside of the fenced pool area?

If the wall of the residence forms part of the child-resistant barrier, is this wall without windows, doors, or other openings that permit access to the pool?

Is there an appropriate resuscitation sign displayed in the immediate vicinity of the pool area?